Public boat ramps in NH’s Lakes Region

New Hampshire’s Lakes Region is a paradise for boating enthusiasts, and we are now entering our busy season. It's time to get out on the water and explore our inviting lakes. With over 273 lakes, ponds, and rivers, it is one of the best places in the country to enjoy water sports. Many public boat launches are available throughout the region, making it easier for boaters to access these waterbodies. Here are some of the boat launches to be aware of.

Lake Winnipesaukee | 44,586 acres

Lake Winnipesaukee is the largest lake in New Hampshire and one of the most popular boating destinations in the state. There are several public boat launches available on the lake, including:

• The Meredith Public Boat Launch in Meredith. Non-residents pay a $20 fee; residents launch free with a decal. Three-hour docking limit between hours of operation with no overnight docking. 4.7-star review on Google.
• Goodhue Boat Company (Shep Browns Boat Basin) in Meredith. There is a fee charge. No trailer parking is allowed on the paved municipal parking lot adjacent to Shep Brown’s, but trailer parking is allowed at the municipal lot located on Lovejoy Sands Road. 4.7-star review on Google.
• Fay’s Boat Yard in Gilford. Reasonably priced fee charge which varies based on size and trailer. Includes parking for trailers and vehicles. 4.6-star review on Google.
• Center Harbor Public Docks in Center Harbor. There is a $15 launch fee for non-residents and a three-hour limitation on docking. 4.5-star review on Google.
• The Wolfeboro Public Boat Launch in Wolfeboro. This boat launch was recently redone over the winter, and the docks were rebuilt; free launching. 4.9-star review on Google.
• Wolfeboro also has another free launch in the back bay on Railroad Ave; however, boats must pass under a low bridge with 4.2-foot clearance to reach the main lake.
• West Alton Marina in Alton. A $50 credit fee or $45 cash fee. This ramp is open to the public 24/7 and allows one vehicle with a trailer per fee. 4.6-star review on Google.
• Alton Public Docks and Ramp in Alton. There is no fee. This facility was recently upgraded and expanded with paved parking and several docks. 5.0-star review on Google.
• Downing Landing in Alton. There is no fee and it was recently refurbished. This facility has partial/limited site access with paved parking and a paved ramp. 4.5-star review on Google.
• Robert Cove Basin in Alton. There is a $20 fee for boats and jet skis; up to 2 watercraft per trailer. It is $10 for canoes and kayaks. 4.8-star review on Google.

Squam Lake | 6,791 acres

Squam Lake is the second-largest lake in the Lakes Region and offers some of the most beautiful scenery in the area. There is one free public boat launch available on the lake.

• Squam Lake Public Boat Launch in Holderness. There is no fee and no ski crafts are allowed. 4.5-star review on Google.

Lake Winnisquam | 4,214 acres

Lake Winnisquam is the fourth-largest lake in the Lakes Region and is a popular destination for boaters. There is one public boat launch available on the lake:

• Winnisquam Access Facility at the end of Water Street in Laconia. There is no fee. Owned by the state, this facility has a concrete log ramp, paved parking, and a dock. 4.8-star review on Google.

Newfound Lake | 4,451 acres

Newfound Lake, the state's third largest lake, is a beautiful, crystal-clear lake located in Bristol, Hebron, Alexandria, and Bridgewater, New Hampshire.

• Wellington State Beach in Bristol. NH Fish & Game operates a boat launch adjoining the park, open 24/7 with no fee. This facility has a concrete log ramp, paved parking, trailer access, and restrooms. There is a 6 MPH restriction in some parts. 4.7-star review on Google.

Lake Opechee | 449 acres

Lake Opechee is a small but beautiful lake in Laconia.

• Messer Street Boat Ramp in Laconia. There is no fee. The city of Laconia owns this boat ramp, including a concrete log ramp, restrooms, and a picnic area. 4.5-star review on Google.

Lake Waukewan | 928 acres

Lake Waukewan, Meredith's water supply, is a beautiful in-town lake in Meredith. There is one public boat launch available on the lake.

• Waukewan Street in Meredith. This boat launch provides easy access to the lake with a concrete ramp and offers amenities such as a picnic area and ample paved parking. Residents launch free; non-residents pay a $20 fee. No personal watercraft. 4.6-star review on Google.

Lake Kanasatka | 371 acres

• Lake Kanasatka is a smaller, beautiful lake in Moultonborough, New Hampshire. There is one public boat launch available, which DES owns. It has a gravel ramp and limited site access. 4.5-star review on Google.

Merrymeeting Lake | 1,233 acres

• Merrymeeting Lake is a smaller, tranquil, crystal-clear, deep lake in New Durham. One public boat launch is available, owned by NH Fish & Game. It has a paved ramp and limited site access. No personal watercraft in Elly Cove, lake trout and salmon waters. 4.7-star review on Google.

•••

This article was written by Frank Roche. Frank is president of Roche Realty Group in Meredith and can be reached at 603-279-7046. Please feel free to visit rocherealty.com to learn more about the Lakes Region and its real estate market.